Just Like You is a disability awareness program designed to build understanding, acceptance and inclusion. Through celebrating differences, developing empathy and creating inclusion, students learn that people with a disability are the same as everyone else – they are ‘Just Like You’.
The workshops
Tailored for specific year groups in primary schools and aligned with the Australian Curriculum, Just Like You addresses hidden disabilities alongside visible ones. The workshops are tailored to separate stages (Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4, Years 5 & 6, and Years 7 & 8) and can be delivered face-to-face or via digital platform.
Just Like You workshops are lively, interactive and compelling, where students are engaged to reflect on their own roles and actions as a citizen in theirschool and community.
Our dynamic Facilitator educates students to gain a fundamental understanding of why uniqueness is valued and should be celebrated. Students will learn how to identify differences as a positive feature in their lives.
Concepts covered:
Understanding and including people with disabilities
We may have differences but our physical and emotional needs are the same
Uniqueness and differences are positive
Curriculum aligned
Our workshops have been mapped to the Australian Curriculum as follows:
Describe their own strengths and achievements and those of others, and identify how these contribute to personal identities (ACPPS015)
Understand that people use different systems of communication to cater to different needs and purposes and that many people may use sign systems to communicate with others (ACELA1443)
The Stage Two workshop informs students of the different forms of disabilities, including physical, invisible and sensory disabilities. Students learn how to empathise with challenges that people with disabilities may face, using positive language.
Concepts covered:
Understanding the varied causes and manifestations of disabilities.
Empathising with challenges people with a disability face
Understanding the importance of positive language
Curriculum aligned
Our workshops have been mapped to the Australian Curriculum as follows:
Describe how respect, empathy and valuing difference can positively influence relationships (ACPPS037)
Adopt inclusive practices when participating in physical activities (ACPMP048)
Apply innovative and creative thinking in solving movement challenges (ACPMP049)
Use interaction skills such as acknowledging another’s point of view and linking students’ response to the topic, using familiar and new vocabulary and a range of vocal effects such as tone, pace, pitch and volume to speak clearly and coherently (ACELY1688)
Distinguish facts from opinions in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS005)
Interact with others with respect, share views and recognise there are different points of view (ACHCS007)
Pose questions about the society in which they live (ACHCS015)
Distinguish facts from opinions in relation to civics and citizenship topics and issues (ACHCS016)
Pre-conceived ideas around disability are challenged. Students look at their own role in society and their contribution to positive and negative mindsets and practice integrating alternative modes of communication and movement into their classroom environment.
Concepts covered:
Removing emotional, physical and behavious barriers that restrict opportunities.
Learning different methods of communication
Curriculum aligned
Our workshops have been mapped to the Australian Curriculum as follows:
Investigate community resources and strategies to seek help about health, safety and wellbeing (ACPPS053)
Investigate and reflect on how valuing diversity positively influences the wellbeing of the community (ACPPS060)
Demonstrate ethical behaviour and fair play that aligns with the rules when participating in a range of physical activities (ACPMP069)
Clarify understanding of content as it unfolds in formal and informal situations, connecting ideas to students’ own experiences and present and justify a point of view (ACELY1699)
Participate in and contribute to discussions, clarifying and interrogating ideas, developing and supporting arguments, sharing and evaluating information, experiences and opinions (ACELY1709)
This workshop explores different types of barriers that we all face in our everyday lives, and how people with disability may face additional barriers that we can all help to break. Students are introduced to different types of barriers and practice ways to break them down through inclusive language and accessible design.
Concepts covered:
Inclusive language can help break down barriers
Different people have different needs in the world
We can create an inclusive and accessible world
Curriculum aligned
Our workshops have been mapped to the Australian Curriculum as follows:
Examine the roles of respect, empathy, power and coercion in developing respectful relationships (AC9HP8P04)
Investigate strategies that influence how communities value diversity and propose actions they can take to promote inclusion in their communities (AC9HP8P05)
Understand how language expresses and creates personal and social identities = (AC9E7LA01)
Recognise how language relationships shapes relationships and roles = (AC9E8LA01)
Self Awareness
Emotional Awareness: Develop self-awareness and assess how their responses influence behaviour within society. They also consider the consequences of their actions on others and the overall impact on society
Social-Awareness
Empathy: Step into others’ shoes, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for diverse experiences and perspectives
Relational & Community awareness: Embrace differences, challenge stereotypes, and create an environment of respect and acceptance within the classroom and beyond
Social-Management
Collaboration & Communication: Learn to express themselves confidently, listen actively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and collaborate effectively. Students apply their newfound skills to real-life situations, empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities
Learn how values can promote cohesion within Australian society, including democracy, freedom, respect, inclusion, civility, responsibility, compassion, equality, justice and a ‘fair go’ (AC9HC7K06)
Learn how different experiences, perspectives and debates about Australia’s national identity and citizenship, and recognition of diversity, particularly First Nations Australians’ identities as owners of their respective nations (AC9HC8K07)
